A Note From Dr. O’Keeffe

It may not be your typical fairy tale, but it is my (sort of) fairy tale. As a child of ten, I was told I had to visit an orthodontist. I had no idea what this meant, but for the next two years, I would come to realize that my smile was becoming more beautiful and my self-confidence was blossoming. I also came to admire my orthodontist. A wonderful man, always upbeat, gentle, and interested in ME. So, at the age of ten, I firmly announced, “I’m going to be an orthodontist when I grow up!” The years would pass, and my career choices would venture towards medicine. I loved the science, and I knew that I wanted to help people. The obvious choice was to be a medical doctor. But I was also afraid of medicine…not that I couldn’t handle the academics, but could I handle the loss, could I handle the stress of someone’s life depending on me? Which led me back to my ten-year-old thought. Being an orthodontist offered all that I wanted (and more) …science, medicine, and helping people…. after all, your smile is your trademark and it is… forever. So, I studied and I studied hard. The road wasn’t always easy, but I always did my best and gave it my all. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Delaware. I was then accepted to the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine and received one of only ten academic scholarships. I was in the top 10 of my graduating class and was awarded many prestigious honors upon graduating in 2000. I was immediately accepted to one of the world’s most prestigious orthodontic programs at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill’s Dental School, Department of Orthodontics. From there, I completed my Master’s thesis on the effects of orthognathic surgery on facial movement. I received the North Carolina Alumni Association’s Research Award for this research. And this is where I am in my fairy tale. I have happily and successfully been an orthodontist since 2003. I adore the fact that I have literally made thousands of people smile. I love being part of patient families and giving back to the community. It is my pleasure and privilege to give you and your family your forever smile!